How to Remove the Lock With a Snapped Chubb Key

Written by: Sarah Fardell

Written on: July 14, 2020

If your key breaks in the lock, never fear.

old lock locked image by ennavanduinen from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

There is nothing more frustrating than getting a key stuck in a lock. Chubb keys are very strong but if they become bent or rusted they can still snap off, leaving you with a unusable lock. In fact, the lock can be saved in just a few minutes, with a few household items.

There is nothing more frustrating than getting a key stuck in a lock.
Chubb keys are very strong but if they become bent or rusted they can still snap off, leaving you with a unusable lock.

fish hook image by Bruce MacQueen from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Insert the small fish hook into the key hole and try to hook it onto the key. This may take several attempts. Try to find a point on the key where it can catch and then pull out slowly. Alternatively you can use a thin piece of metal with a serrated edge such as a small steak knife.

pliers image by Jim Mills from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Grab the tip of the key with some needle-nosed pliers. If the key is sticking out a little bit, simply grab it with your pliers and pull it slowly toward you, wiggling it if it does not move. If the key does not move, try step 3.

Grab the tip of the key with some needle-nosed pliers.
If the key is sticking out a little bit, simply grab it with your pliers and pull it slowly toward you, wiggling it if it does not move.

Spray some lubricant into the key hole to help the key move.

spray nozzle image by Bruce MacQueen from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Spray lubricant into the key hole. If the key is really stuck this should help it come out. Once you have sprayed the hole, go back and repeat steps 1 and 2.

Take your broken key halves to a key repairer and he can make you a brand new one.

How to Clean Rust Off of Keys→